SOF® Rod is a soft bi-cellular polyethylene foam backer rod used in concrete construction. It is comprised of both open and closed cells that will not out-gas when skin is ruptured and prevents sealant bubbling and failure.

PERFORMANCESOF Rod has an outer skin and resilient interior network of cells and helps cold-applied sealants assume the optimum hour glass shape to prolong the sealant service life. It is commonly used in applications such as expansion and contraction joints, window glazing, curtain wall construction partitions, parking decks, bridge construction, modular home gasketing and log home chinking. SOF Rod is comprised of an inert material, and therefore, it is physically and chemically compatible with virtually all known cold-applied sealants including self-leveling types.

INSTALLATIONPrior to installing SOF Rod, the joints should be cleaned per the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations. Thoroughly remove any concrete form-release agents, curing compound reside, laitance or any foreign materials. To ensure a good sealant bond, joints must be clean and dry when the new sealant is installed. Air compressors used for this purpose must be equipped with traps for removal of oil and moisture. Install SOF Rod with a blunt tool at the depth recommended by the sealant manufacturer.

Care should be taken not to puncture, over-compress or stretch SOF Rod during installation. Proper size selection is important as it controls the depth of the sealant bead. It must be oversized (25-50%) to fit tightly into the joint and function as a bond-breaker to prevent back-side adhesion of the sealant. SOF Rod is not meant to be used with hot-pour sealants. Sealant compatibility should be confirmed by the sealant manufacturer. Compatibility characteristics of sealants in contact with sealant backings can be determined by ASTM C 1087 test method